Category Archives: Cost of living Comparison

Cost of living Comparisons in the U.S

The Cost of Electricity on the rise in Florida

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Electric Bills raise the Cost of living in Florida

Cost of living in Florida
After two years of bill reductions Progress Energy will raise electric bills in 2012. The Florida Public Service Commission received approval November 22 to increase rates by 3 percent. To give you an idea of how much this will cost Floridians, considering the usage of 1,000 kilowatt hours, Florida electric cost will increase to $123.19 per month. This is compared to the $119.34 per month, the cost in Florida currently. For commercial and industrial customers, bills will increase 4% and 5% respectively.

Why the sudden Increase in Cost?

The justification for the increased cost of electricity in Florida is due to the Crystal River Nuclear Power being out of service. This has resulted in more natural gas consumption, which is more expensive then Nuclear power. The Crystal River Nuclear Plant is Progress Energy’s lowest-cost generation unit and provides service to more than 1.6 million people living in Florida.

Are Florida Law Makers Picking Favorites?

Cost of living in FloridaInstead of allowing market forces to prevail is appears that members of the Florida state legislature are stacking the deck. Back in 2006 the Florida Legislature passed a bill to allow Power companies to raise the cost of electricity in Florida to fund the construction of nuclear reactors.

The key point is that your electric bill will go up before construction even begins. Now this is in stark contrast of how the rules apply to other energy sources. In every case except for Nuclear your power company is not allow to raise your bill due to construction cost until the work is actually completed.

I find this very unconstitutional because it is not Florida’s job to pick winners and looser via legislation. But what I’m going to say next is even more appalling.

The early cost recovery statute in this piece of legislation states that even if the project is abandoned the Power company can still recover the cost of construction via your power bill!

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Will California Tax Tweaks Raise Cost of living?

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The cost of living in every state is on the rise. California is no exception. There are many proposed taxes hikes that state leaders are trying to sneak on the 2012 ballots.

Taxing Crude Oil and the Cost to Californians

Cost of living in CaliforniaThe proposal is to levy a 9.9% extraction fee on each barrel of oil. City leaders are saying the oil taxes could bring in up to $3.5 billion for schools, while somehow preventing oil companies from raising the price of gasoline.

The opposition states that this would result in reduced in-state production, leading to an estimated loss of 10,000 jobs. And that the price of oil could increase by $1.3 billion a year which would ultimately lead to higher gas prices for people of California.

Governor Brown’s 7 Billion Dollar Tax Measure

California Governor Jerry Brown wants to raise taxes on the rich and raise sales tax. He is trying to push the measure on to next November’s ballot along with other tax measures.

Brown’s plan is to impose an extra 1% income tax on people making $250k a year, and 1.5% on those making $300k a year and 2% on individuals earning $500k a year. He also is pushing for a .5% sales tax hike much like Governor Chris Gregoire is attempting in Washington state. The California governor states the extra cost in taxes would last through 2016.

A projected $13 billion budget deficit has prompted this decision to raise cost of living in California The Brown Tax plan promises to reduce that deficit. Although a state budget watchdog agency reported much of the revenue promised wouldn’t materialize.

The measure would require a two-thirds super-majority vote and the Democrats control the legislature. Even so they are short votes , so without support from a few Republicans the initiative will be blocked. Earlier this year Republicans blocked a similar attempt to raise taxes.

Orange County Schools Could lose Property Tax Earmarks

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Orange County officials stated that because of budget shortfalls they may divert property tax revenues away from public schools in January and May of next year. As a result hundreds maybe joining the unemployment line. The extra funds would be used to maintain correctional facilities and pay down the counties debts.

Are Politicians Breaking the Law?

California Cost of livingIt is interesting to note that the state is investigating the legality of Orange Counties desire to divert over 73 million dollars from public schools. A spokesperson for the state finance department stated that if Orange County follows through on its vow to redirect the funds, the state might take legal action against the county.

County Auditor David Sundstrom said he would not redirect the funds if he thought it was illegal and is trying to work with the state to find a resolution.

Citizens Willing to Pay more Tax for better education

Cost of living in CaliforniaAccording to a recent poll Californian’s are willing to raise their cost of living in order to fund better education. The 64% of Californian’s are advocating for a public school system that has endured three years of deep budget cuts. The general consensus, California’s public schools are in horrible shape. They are absolutely right for 66% of students in California have a GPA of 2.0 or below. Out of those polled many cited budget cuts ,wasteful spending and bureaucratic as the cause. And they’d be right!!

Does Education Need the Private Sector?

This is a future article because I feel very strongly about this subject. Should it be the government’s job to provide education to its citizens or simply regulate it? Wouldn’t education be better off in the private sector?

I know most companies have to answer to investors, make a profit and provide a quality product to be competitive. The Government has to do none of those things.

How would public schools do in a fair non-monopolized market? Think of the product our government is providing our children and then think how much money they are wasting to do so. Private and Charter schools are more regulated by the government, waste less, and could be funded with a lot less if the right strategy was employed.

Read more on California

The Latest on Health Care cost in Hawaii

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Cost of living in Hawaii could be on the rise again in lieu of proposed Health care increases. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Medical Service Association are lobbying the state division to raise premiums upwards. Unfortunately this is a nation wide trend but Hawaiian’s can not afford yet another raise in their cost of living. With a weak economy and job market along with high energy and food costs the citizens of Hawaii are already finding it difficult to make ends meet.

The Proposed Raise in Insurance Premiums

Cost of living in HawaiiThe Hawaii Medical Service Association after raising premiums 11.7% two years ago and 14.8% this year are trying to increase rates for 84,000 members by 3.6% starting next year. HMSA is celebrating a $5.8 million profit this quarter and hopes to host an even bigger party at the end of the 1st quarter next year. They did post a $4.1 million loss a year earlier.

The state division has received a proposal from Kaiser Permanente to raise their premiums 8.8%. This would affect 160,000 members. This increase would also start at the beginning of the year. Kaiser enjoyed a $2.8 million profit in the second quarter following increases of 12.6% this year and 10.7% last year. They lost $5.1 million last year.

The federal health reform act if passed will require insurers to submit a request for approval to state or federal reviewers for increases of 10% or more. Note the 2 above provider’s rate increases are reduced from double digital percentages last year to single digit percentage next year. Just an after thought!

The Average Cost of Medical insurance in Hawaii

Hawaii Cost of livingMedical insurance premiums across the board increased from 12.3% to 17.8% according to a recent report. The annual yearly premium cost is projected to reach 20k by 2020 for families and $7,000 for individuals. Hawaii at this time is at the low end when compared to the rest of the nation. Hawaii currently ranks 3rd lowest in family premiums. Health care premiums averaged $12,00 last year. The U.S. average was $13,871. For individual coverage Hawaii’s cost is the 2nd lowest with an average price of 4,000 a year. We could obtain the national average for individuals.

How Energy Comsumption affects the Cost of Living for every Hawaiian

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Hawaii is in dire straits when it comes to energy. Although Hawaii has taken enormous strides to develop alternative energy projects it still is a long way from getting its fossil fuel dependency under control. The cost to Hawaiian is nothing less then shocking. Hawaii ranks 2nd now to Connecticut in energy consumption.

The Facts Regarding the Cost of Energy in Hawaii

Cost of living in HawaiiHow does energy consumption affect the cost of living in Hawaii and what steps are being taken to reduce Hawaii’s fossil fuel reliance? Also – Rebates for Hawaiians looking to buy Green.

Last year Hawaii utilities used 11.3 million barrels of petro to produce energy at a cost of almost $900 million. This is a huge number when compared to per capita numbers in other states.

Hawaiians spend roughly $175 per month on electric bills and consumed an average of 615 kWh monthly.

46.3 million barrels of petroleum were imported last year. Divide this by the population and you get 36.776 barrels of petroleum per person. Import costs total over 4 thousand per person every year. These numbers are almost unbelievable. How much do you think this impacts the cost of living in Hawaii?

If Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative goals are met, it is estimated that 60% of all electricity provided by utility companies will be as a result of fossil fuel.

Hawaii’s Green Potential

A significant portion of energy needs could be met by renewable resources and energy optimization.

Hawaii has a huge advantage in promoting energy efficiency in current buildings as well as constructing “net-zero energy” buildings that have the potential to generate as much energy as they consume.

Hawaii is blessed with many natural resources such as wind, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, bio fuels produced by agriculture, and the ocean.

Energy Rebates Available for Hawaiians

Whole House Energy Monitor – 50% of the purchase price up to $100
$750 Solar Water Heating
$1,000 Solar Water Heating Interest loan Credit
$200 Heat Pump Water Heater

Solar Attic Fan – $50 | Whole House Fans – $75

Central AC Maintenance – $50

ENERGY STAR® Refrigerators with the purchase price of $600 or less – $50
ENERGY STAR® Refrigerators with Trade-in – $125
$50 ENERGY STAR® Top Tier Clothes Washers
$40 ENERGY STAR® Ceiling Fans
$110 ENERGY STAR® Ductless Split Air Conditioners
ENERGY STAR® Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioners- $200

Instant $1 rebates on Compact Fluorescent Lamps

What is driving the cost of living in Hawaii

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Lack of Competition in Shipping raises cost of living in Hawaii

Cost of living HawaiiMaritime laws in Hawaii prevent foreign ships from competing in the marketplace by limiting restrictions. These restrictions in-turn monopolize shipping hence raise prices to import and well as export. Since Hawaii imports most everything the effect on cost of living is far reaching. In particular the Jones Act and the Commerce Clause hindered the above stated. 95% of the available worldwide Merchant shipping fleets can not serve Hawaii.

Agriculture in Hawaii is suffering due to the expense of agricultural production. Specifically inbound shipping cost of fertilizers, herbicides and outbound shipping costs of fruits and livestock.

The amount of preservative chemicals it takes to keep food fresh while in route inflate prices. One of the reasons why food is more expensive in Hawaii is by virtue of the time it takes to get to the store. Supply issues are also affecting prices. This is all do to lack of competition in the shipping department.

Food prices in Hawaii are adversely affected by the Jones Act and the cost for local businesses to ship goods are so expensive it is ruining local economies. Hawaii is completely Mad Cow disease free and has a huge competitive advantage world wide. But shipping costs prevent Hawaii from being able to compete price wise.

What is the Jones act

The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 Section 27,states all goods transported between U.S. ports will be carried in American ships, made in America, owned and crewed by U.S. citizens. The law was invented to support the U.S. maritime industry.

What is The Commerce Clause

The Commerce Clause states that the United States Congress shall have power “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. Dispute exists within the courts as to the range of powers granted to Congress by the Commerce Clause

Advocating the Jones Act

Cost of living in Hawaii
Advocators of the Jones Act state that it is necessary to enforce the United State’s environmental and labor laws as well as protect national security.

Opponents of the Jones Act

Opponents argue that the Jones Act is costing Hawaiian households an estimated $3000 per year. And that abolishing the law will open up competition, lower shipping costs and unsure that consumers are getting the best products at the best prices while giving the local economy a much needed boost.

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Cost of living in washington state – A .5 cent raise in Sales Tax

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Watch the News Story

With a 1.5 Billion dollar deficit, Washington state is forced to make budget cuts. Of the most concerning are to education and social services. To combat this Governor Chris Gregoire is proposing a .5 cent raise in Washington’s sales tax. It would last three years (huh?) ,raise $494 million and be used to fund public education predominately. If passed Washington state would have a sales tax second to only California. This would increase Washington’s sales tax from 7% to 7.5%.

Interesting to note just last year a Tim Eyman initiative was passed that requires a two-thirds super-majority in the Legislature to raise taxes.

An estimated 1 thousand protestors rallied at Washington’s Capital

In the interest of not raising an already high cost of living in Washington, citizens rallied in protest. The occasion? The Legislature’s emergency budget session. Teachers, students, state employees, and the always vigilant Occupy protesters gathered this morning in Sylvester Park to let their voices be heard. The predominate message was “Tax the 1%, not the 99%”. There were also protests against cutting social services which were being discussed as well, in this morning’s session.

How do the majority of Voters feel about Proposal?

According to a new Elway Poll release Monday 45% of voters think raising taxes is a good idea. Most voters in Washington according the survey support or will most likely support the .5 cent sales tax increase. According to the Elway poll Washington voters are very divided on the issue of raising taxes versus cutting spending. 41% of voters support cutting spending over raising taxes and 39% are for raising taxes to avoid cuts in programs.

In reality doesn’t it all depend on what the proposed cuts are?  If they were proposing to cut campaign finance the percentages would be completely different versus proposing to cut say.. Medicaid. Case in point, voters who participated in the poll supported raising taxes to save the programs Gregoire is wanting to cut. So it is clear that voters in Washington would rather raise their cost of living then have funding cut in education and other social service type programs. Either way, once again it is the poor and middle class that will have to suffer. Why is our government allowed to pick and choose the programs that are placed on the chopping block. Doesn’t the game seem a little rigged. What programs do you think should be cut out of our budget?

Participate in the discussion. Let your voice be heard!

Texas Cost of living – The Latest Changes in Health Care Cost

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Cost of living Texas
More bad news for Texans. Medical insurance premiums are on the rise and Medicaid reimbursement could be cut. The Cost of Employer sponsored health insurance in Texas is on the rise so naturally benefits are on the decline and proposed cuts in medicaid reimbursement rates could hurt the poorest of Americans.

The Rising Cost of Medical Insurance in Texas

According to the Commonwealth fund report between 2003 and 2010 the cost of insurance premiums for employees rose 52% for families and 45% for individuals. Deductibles more than doubled in that time.
Contact the Texas Department of Insurance if you feel the increases in your premiums lack justification.

Why the Increase in Healthcare Cost

According to the Commonwealth report the rising cost of healthcare is a nationwide epidemic. But the really head scratcher here is why the Texas health care rate of increase went from one of the lowest to one of the highest. When you look at the increase in Health care it is rising faster than the cost of living in Texas. Yes, cost of living is partly to blame for these increases but health reform can also be blamed. New stricter requirements on insurance companies are driving operating costs up and as usual these increases have been passed on to the consumer.

Medicaid Cuts

Texas is proposing to cut 35% a year out of the Medicaid program. Doctors are very concerned because of the toll it would take on children and the poorest of Texas. Cuts in co-payments to physicians will save the state millions but would prompt doctors not to practice in the poorer parts of Texas. Overall this change would make it harder for physicians to practice medicine in Texas. Doctors offices rely heavily on the Medicaid program for revenue.

How we can control the rise of Health care cost in Texas

Cost of living Texas

Controlling healthcare cost in Texas is an enormous challenge and will need the assistance of the government, insurers, hospitals, doctors and the public alike.

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California Government Retirees may not Lose Health care Benefits

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The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that health benefits for government retirees in Orange county may not be eliminated. That implied contracts covering retiree healthcare benefits will be honored.

Unfortunately this is not the only instance of our government trying to rob our honored citizens of their medical benefits. Other cities, counties, and states in our great nation are regrettably following suit. This article focuses on the Sacramento County case.

The state of California’s attempt to eliminate Health care benefits in Sacramento County

In 2010 the Board of Supervisors in Sacramento County reduced the health care subsidy by $100 per month. This cut maximum benefits down from $244 to $144 a month. This year Sac County put further strain on the cost of living by setting the maximum to $80.64 per month. I would like to hear from our honored readers how much they pay on average for health care expenses. Please post your comments they are as always greatly anticipated.

The Counties Argument

Starting in 2003 the health care policies state that subsidies are not intrinsic. Meaning that there is no explicit contract in Sacramento County to provide county retirees any health care benefits. This is in stark contrast to the Orange County ruling which is over premiums not subsidies. According to the county the policy states that the retiree’s health care program is not a contract thus doesn’t provide any vested entitlement to benefits hence void of regulation.

Guess we should of read the fine print.
Where is the Governator when we need him. Is this astalavista healthcare benefits?

Cost of living California

Supreme Court Ruling

Justice Marvin R. Baxter wrote
“Under California law, a vested right to health benefits for retired county employees can be implied under certain circumstances from a county ordinance or resolution,”

It is the hope of all California government retirees that this ruling will quell the counties attempts to reduce health care benefits and make sure they last a lifetime. Judges are government employees too and I’m sure this will aid in the association’s case. Times being as difficult as they are does not excuse this injustice.

The Affect the ruling has on California Retiree’s Cost of living

Cost of living California
What is at stake here is obvious. It is hard enough for our seniors already. With the rising cost of living in California, most evident prescription drugs it is difficult if not impossible for our seniors to make ends meet. Why does our government continue to pick on them?

The Future of this case

Arguments to dismiss the suit against Sacramento County are scheduled for Tuesday. The case will go back to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Where the honorable Judge Kimberly J. Mueller hear the case.

California Housing Market News

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Pending Homes Sales

Cost of living in California
In October California’s housing market showed positive growth for the sixth consecutive month.The California Association of Realtors showed that compared to a year ago open escrows increased 11%. This is a 2.9% increase when compared to September.

Closed Real Estate Sales

Sales in 2004, 2005 and 2006 averaged out to seven million. This year 5 million homes where sold which topped last year by 8.5 percent.

Future Projections for California’s housing market

Cost of living in California
The National Association of Realtors predicted a four to five percent increase in sales for 2012. Although the projected increase in home sales is an encouraging sign the increase in foreclosures is concerning.

After a year long slowdown banks are cracking down on troubled borrowers sending almost 78,000 properties into the foreclosure process this October. This is 7% higher than September.
It is evident that the housing market in California is still hovering at the bottom.

Full recovery in California’s housing market can not be achieved until we get through these foreclosures. This can not be achieved until the job market improves and the cost of living lowers. This directly affects the housing market because homeowners are very concerned about another drop in their debt to income ratio. Market stability will offer reassurance that will promote recovery by giving consumers enough confidence to raise their living expenses.

Lawmakers encouraging growth in California’s real estate market

On Friday Obama signed a bill that will reinstate FHA backed loan limits to $729,750. The limited was hastily reduced to $625,500 in October. This swift action was inspired by a sharp decrease in home sales nationally. Real Estate Sales in Orange and Los Angeles counties between $625,500 and $729,750 dropped last month. That was a 71% reduction when compared to September and 71.5% when compared to sales in October of last year.

It is clear that indecision, scrutiny of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac, and the fact that the FHA might need a tax payer bail out will quell future growth.

University of California to pay medical costs for protestors

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The University of California is paying medical expenses to students pepper sprayed during the Occupy Davis protest last Friday. Eleven of the students pepper sprayed were treated for coughing, shortness of breath, and burning eyes.

Students of Davis have filed civil law suits against the university. The calling of Linda Katehi’s resignation motivated the chancellor to release a statement condemning the incident and launch a full investigation. An advisory panel has been formed to investigate the conduct of the officers which was captured on video and went viral. The chancellor put the officers involved on administrative leave. Oh the power of the internet.

Charges for unlawful assembly against the 10 students arrested on Friday were promptly dropped.
If whomever reading this would like to research and post the definition of an improper assembly it would be appreciated because I’m confident that this protest didn’t meet any of the criteria.

Campus police pepper sprayed a group of protesters whom were showing no signs of aggressive behavior.
In fact the video showed a group of protestors sitting down in a row being pepper sprayed repetitively.

Regardless of the validity of Occupies message they still have the right to peacefully protest. This is still America.

To Katehi’s credit she did host a town hall meeting with more than 1,000 student to discuss the incident. A great step in the right direction.

Meeting the Occupy movement with violence will only inspire more people to join. Whether this is good or bad will be up to history to decide. It is every red blooded American’s right to exercise their freedom of speech. It is our government job to represent the will of the people. In the end its the people who hold the power. The Occupy movement so far has been met with police brutality and negative press. Given all the wisdom of our elected officials you would hope that a more constructive approach is on the horizon. If not I fear the violence will escalate exponentially.

 

Californians get a break at the Pump

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Californians get a break at the Pump

Folks in California have something to shout about as gas prices fell 5.4c per gallon this week. California cost of living has been on the rise so this news offers a glimmer of hope. Gas prices are at $3.74 per gallon as opposed to $3.35 per gallon, the national average. Don’t get too excited though prices have to drop a lot more to fall below recent historic prices for November. In recent history, this week in 2007 recorded the lowest prices at $3.39 per gallon.

As of late diesel production is being favored over gasoline and refiners will boost production of distillate at the cost of gasoline production. So don’t expect this downward trend to last. Crude oil is currently at $97 a barrel.

Other Factors Impacting Crude Oil Prices

America’s S&P credit rating drop from AAA to AA+ last August. In the aftermath of this downgrade crude oil fell nearly twenty percent. One of the factors involved commodities traders selling of their stocks. This stunted the increase of crude oil prices and is one of the main reasons they remain under $100 per barrel this month.

Gas price Manipulation

Everyone wants to talk about gas price manipulation. So come on out conspiracy theorists because I’m throwing in an added bonus for you. Don’t know if you ever caught the documentary Gashole but as a side note watch it. It will feed your every conspiracy desire. Awesome documentary!!

In June of this year crude prices dropped roughly $22 per barrel lower then the $114 high of the Quarter. Almost immediately after, they shot up to $98. A lot of folks were screaming conspiracy.

How can oil prices be in such flux? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is asking the same questions and has started an investigation into the oil and gas markets. Yippee! Maybe they will make big oil executives swear in this time. (If you have seen Gashole you will know what I’m talking about)

The media as always being the tool that it is, claims fluctuations in oil prices can be attributed to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, and as usually events in the Middle East.

What do you think! Follow me on Twitter @followbillbaker

Will Cap & Trade raise energy cost in California

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Cost of living in California

What is California’s Cap & Trade program?


The California Air Resources Board and industry stakeholders worked together to design the California cap and trade program.

The Cap and Trade program is a strategy to limit California’s GHG emissions. Under this program an overall limit on emissions will be capped in certain sectors. Those sectors under the cap will be able to trade allowances to emit GHG. The Cap and Trade program will monitor the trading of these permits. The overall goal is to reduce pollution without hurting businesses. The program is set to launch in 2012.

The Costs

Many critics of the Cap & Trade program state that this will raise energy costs for consumers. A few people suggest that this will create favoritism towards some businesses while alienate others depending on how much they contribute to political campaigns. Will is conflict of interest end up weakening competition hence raising energy costs?

The simple fact is that this will not lower the cost of doing business. Since when does any addition expense accomplish that. It would be counter intuitive to thing so. And staying in this line of thinking it would be equally so, to imagine that is will not raise the cost of living in California.

Supporters argue that companies will work hard to reduce their carbon foot print to limit the need for allowances. This gives them the ability to invest allowance sales into more energy efficient products that will in turn reduce consumer bills. Do we know of a company that passes a surplus in profit margins to its customers?

The Bigger Question

Will it actually work?

In the past caps were set so high that companies had no problem reaching them. This program was designed to address that issue. In the six-year-old European Union market carbon allowances traded at $21 per metric ton of carbon dioxide. This is $3 more than the current price on emissions in California.

This program will help put California on the path to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020, and ultimately achieving an 80% reduction from 1990 levels by 2050.

Read more on the cost of living in California

Hawaii is cutting costs on Welfare

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The cost of homes in Hawaii

The cost of living in Hawaii is as steep as the money it takes to run it. This is according to recent reports and a statement made by the Department of human services. The decision to cut vital welfare programs has received a mixed reaction among citizens and community leaders alike.

Cutting benefits to citizens whom aren’t encouraged to find work is one thing. Reducing benefits to what looks like on paper a program that encourages working is another.

In The News

Hawaii until recently has been the nation’s biggest spender in welfare benefits.
Budget cuts are forcing the state to eliminate programs to welfare recipients.
Temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) and temporary assistance to other needy family (TAONF) are the programs on the chopping block.

What is TANF and TAONF?

TANF and TAONF are intended to provide assistance for those who can’t work and provide incentives for those whom are able to work to find work. These programs offer money to adults and children for a period of 5 years once in a lifetime. TANF & TAONF are unique in the fact that they encourage people to rely on themselves to sustain and makes it pay to work. This is accomplished by providing child care support, enforcing penalties, and tapering off benefits when work is found. This is opposite of most programs that cut off benefits completely.

Reduced Benefits

Welfare benefits are being reduced due to state mandated budget cuts. Hawaii spends $5.4 million on programs designed to aid recipients in finding work. According to Hawaii’s Department of human services these programs will be terminated at the end of this month.

Historical Data

Eligibly for 539 families expired in late 2001, in 2003 their were over 1200 cases that reached the five year limit. By year 2004 852 cases expired and 708 in the year 2005.

Hawaii Cost of Living Data 11-16

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Hawaii Cost of living

Hawaii cost of living data for 2011 is very poor. Projections for the next 3 years are equally so. Hawaii’s lack of growth is severely hurting jobs growth. Inflation is crippling the middle class and there is no end in sight. Recovery needs a huge economic turn-around. Unfortunately Hawaii is just no experiencing enough to pull itself out of the recession. The economic decline is felt across the U.S but Hawaii ranks at just about the bottom.

Looking at Hawaii’s growth this year

According to the U.S. Commerce Department Hawaii’s economy had poor growth. Registering at 1.2 percent this is effecting the job market hence Hawaii cost of living. When factoring in inflation Hawaii’s economic growth has is 2.6%. When jobs growth is low and inflation is high. The cost of living in Hawaii increases.

Out of 50 states Hawaii’s growth rate ranked 44th. This is a huge drop in ranking when compared to past years. Hawaii’s economy growth in the prior year was 2.6 less than in 2009. This is not an encouraging stat when considering we were in the middle of the recession at that time.

Various state departments are projecting that Hawaii’s cost of living will increase when factoring in inflation adjusted economic growth. It is projected increase is 2% by 2012 and 2.4% by 2013. This is huge when considering the majority of this statistic is made up of an inflating dollar.

Hawaii’s Growth

So enough of the negatives lets take a look at the positives. There has to been a silver lining in this cloud right? Well not much to shout about here.

On the positive side of the equation Hawaii saw good growth in the tourism, real estate, retail and food sectors.

Conversely the negatives were manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

The Commerce Department’s finding are based and Gross Domestic Product. This is factoring in the total of all goods and services produced in Hawaii.

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Cost of living in California News 11-8

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Cost of living in California

The Cost of living in California is declining. This is according to the U.S Census Bureau.
Over 49 million Americans are forced to live in poverty. On the west coast alone 2.8 million have sunk beneath the poverty line. California is a large contributor to this total. California’s poverty rate has gone up 4% this quarter. This is due to rising unemployment and a increased cost of living. The national poverty rate is now at %16. California sits above twenty percent.

Cost of living in California Increases

In California jobs that do exist are low paying. Unemployment benefits are not equal to lost wages. The rising cost of medical care is putting a strain on Californians. This is not taking into consideration California’s high housing costs.

Housing Costs

Cost of living in California

Many citizens are finding it nearly impossible to afford housing. In urban areas a one bedroom apartment can cost $800. Folks in California are finding it hard to get by on meager unemployment checks.

Congressional hearings are underway to address this issue. Bigger loan limits expired on Oct. 1st. Congress is proposing a measure that would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to insure single family mortgages up to $729,750. The current ceiling is $625,500. This proposal is aimed where cost of living is high. Places such as California.

California’s Job Market

With the decline in job growth the cost of living in California has risen.
California has lost 306,000 job since 2007. Los Angeles County was hit the hardest losing 113,000 jobs.

Medical Care

With the blessing of the Obama administration California is cutting over a hundred million dollars from Medi-Cal. Expects state that with less funding Doctors may refuse to see patients covered under Medi-cal. Overall the reduced funding will save the state $623 million. Currently California spends $14 billion on Medi-care.

This will be a huge blow to Californians already struggling with high medical expenses. Especially so for seniors. It is not clear but a factor could be the presidents push for Obama-care.

Cheapest Cost of Living in Hawaii

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Low priced housing in Hawaii

There are many factors that drive the cost of living in Hawaii. High cost of food, Gas and home prices are all contributors to this. The job market is tough in Hawaii. Having a job most likely means you are working in the tourism industry. Needless to say these jobs don’t pay well. But there is hope. The ability to thrive in Hawaii on a budget is not out of reach. Hawaii is a great place to live. With its topical beaches, Volcanoes, and island culture it is one of the greatest places on Earth. We will give you a guide to survive by lowering your cost of living so you can afford Hawaii.

How to Live Cheap in Hawaii

Living Space
Cost of living in Hawaii
Don’t be picky out where you’re living. It is just a place to hang your hat. With Hawaii’s weather you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Seek out a shared apartment. Shared apartments in the more populated areas go for $700 to $900 a month.

Use Public Transportation or Ride a Bike

Public transportation in Hawaii is cheap. The buses will basically take you anywhere you what for under $2. Riding a bike is a great way to experience Hawaii. Riding is cost effective and great for your health. With the price of gas being well over $4 per gallon you may also want to consider a fuel efficient car if busing or biking it isn’t for you.

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hawaii Cost of living
Buy your clothes at the Goodwill or second hand stores.You can find clothes of the same quality for a fraction of the price. Food is very expensive in Hawaii but there are still bargains if you know where to look. On the weekend you can find some cheap farmer’s markets with quality organic foods. Star Market and Foodland have the most affordable priced foods. Keep an eye out for weekly specials on essential items.

Nothing in Hawaii is cheap. The cost of Living in Hawaii is one of the highest in the world. But there are some things you can do to pad the blow. Learn more about Hawaii

Why the cost of living in Hawaii is More

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Why the cost of living in Hawaii is so much higher

Hawaii ranks in the top 5 in every cost of living category. From Gas to real estate the cost is high to live in Hawaii. A big piece of the puzzle is the fact that Hawaii is an island thus has to import everything but it is easy to forget that it’s also a tropically paradise. This natural drives the cost of things a bit higher. Knowing this it is still worth to explore what effects the prices of these items so high.

The Price of Food

Cost of living in Hawaii

Food is very expensive in Hawaii. What drives the cost of food is the fact that 90% of Hawaii’s food is imported. It is purely Supply vs. Demand that makes the cost of food in Hawaii so high.
A gallon of milk in Hawaii is anywhere from $4.99 to $7.49. Eggs are $1.99 to 2.69 a carton. Ground beef costs $2.68 to $3.29 a pound. Chicken ranges from $1.49 to $2.06 a pound. A 12 pack of Coke can cost anywhere from $3.65 to $6.19.

Gas prices

The cost to drive is a huge factor in Hawaii. We have some of the highest gas prices in the nation here. The cost of gas varies depending on where you live and they are in constant flux. Gas right now is ranging from $4 to $5 per gallon.

Home prices
The cost of homes in Hawaii

Although home values have gone down due to the recession Hawaii is still in the top tier. The medium home price is 438k. In the Hilo metro area it’s around 212k, the most affordable of all. This is much lower than 3 years ago.

Why is the price of living in Hawaii is so much higher? The answer is simple, it is Hawaii! Hawaii is a huge tourist destination and for good reason. Many folks would love to live here. But the lack of a job market and cost of living derail those hopes.

There are some strategies to living cheap in Hawaii read
this article for more information.

Learn more about the cost of living in Hawaii

Cost of living in Hawaii 2010

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Cost of living in Hawaii in the year 2010

2010 brought in a decrease in home value. The cost of food increased as well as essential services. The Cost of living in Hawaii is as much above the national average as it has been in the past for the most part. Food would be the only exception. The follow is a breakdown of how Honolulu Hawaii ranks. Keep in mind one hundred is the national average.

Cost of living Index

Cost of living in Honolulu Hawaii

Cost of living in Hawaii for the city of Honolulu is 66% higher than the national average. The main reason is the housing index even though home prices have gone down in 2010. The job market and medium salary wont be discussed in this article but are a contributing factor because wages have decreased this year.

Goods and Services Index

This year the Goods and services index is holding steady at 127. This gap is consistent with the gap last year. There has not been much change this is category this year.

Grocery Index

The cost of food has gone up but Hawaii doesn’t gain much ground when compared to the rest of the nation. The index for food is 159. Hawaii’s food is as always imported. This year saw consumers getting less food for there dollar. The increase was similar through out the nation.

Housing Index

The cost of homes in Hawaii

Across the nation home prices are going down. It is safe to assume that Hawaii would not be exempt to this. But when compared to the average in America Hawaii is 244. This as stated earlier is what is driving the cost of living in Hawaii to extraordinary heights.

In 2010 Hawaii keeps its ranking in the cost of living index. Hawaii is well above the 100 percentile in every category. Here are some other statistics worth noting.

  • Health Care Index- 122
  • Transportation Index- 130
  • Utilities Index- 140

Read more on Hawaii

Houston’s Economy a Beacon of Hope

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Houston residents and local leaders have something big to hang their hat on. With many cities in the United States slow to recover from the recession, Houston is experiencing positive growth in its energy, health care, financial, oil and tech industries. Texas overall has all but overcome the recession. Houston ranking first statewide and 5th nationally with a gross metropolitan product of $350 billion has championed this remarkable turnaround.

This increase in gross metropolitan product has trickled down to the job market. Houston has added over 65 thousand jobs in the last year thanks to the economic growth in these industries. Texas overall has added more jobs than any other state in the country year to date.

Houston citizens are benefiting from an improved job market. Unemployment declined to just above 8% falling right in line with the state average. A key consideration is that compared to other major cities in Texas this is low. In retrospect the U.S unemployment rate sits above 9%.

In this down economy it is encouraging to see the port of Houston doing so well. According to recent reports the port of Houston is thriving. Boasting a 35% net income gain Houston is showing no signs of slowing down with a 13% increase in revenue within the last nine months. State and local tax revenues as well as the overall economy have benefited from the over 100 billion dollar revenue stream the port of Houston brought in.

Texas cost of living ranks near the top of all states. Houston accounting for one third of the economic output makes it a great balance between affordable living and medium wage. The quality of living in Houston is improving. And whether the private sector or the Government sector is to thank, it still is a beacon of hope for a nation that greatly